Doyle's side suffered their first defeat of the Championship last time out to England, ensuring there would be no successful defence of their Grand Slam.

But with victories in their two previous matches, Ireland will remain within touching distance of current leaders France, provided they defeat Italy.

Doyle has made three changes to his side with centre Grace Davitt coming in for Jenny Murphy to win her 50th cap and Amy Davis replacing Larissa Muldoon at scrum-half. Both Murphy and Muldoon take places among the replacements.

In the forwards, Gillian Bourke switches from hooker to tight-head with Stacey-Lea Kennedy slotting in at No.2 and Ailish Egan making way and lining up among the replacements.

"The team put in a strong performance against England at Twickenham and we are very much still in the hunt for the Championship," said Doyle.

"Italy pushed us all the way last year in the final game of the tournament so we will not be taking them lightly and will need to put in a clinical performance to ensure that we secure victory in our first outing at the Aviva Stadium."